Dr. M.P. Ramnavas


Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is at the forefront of transforming urban mobility with innovative and sustainable solutions. From achieving energy efficiency through solar integration and regenerative braking to introducing the world’s first Water Metro and promoting non-motorised transport, KMRL is redefining urban transit. Dr. M.P. Ramnavas, Director (Projects), Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) in an exclusive interview with Nisha Samant of Elets News Network (ENN) delves more into it.

KMRL has been a leader in integrating sustainable practices into urban transportation. Could you share how the Kochi Metro’s initiatives, like the adoption of solar energy for stations and operations, are contributing to Kerala’s vision of reducing carbon emissions?


KMRL has been a pioneer in integrating sustainable practices into urban transportation, significantly contributing to Kerala’s vision of reducing carbon emissions and conserving resources.

The various initiatives are:


  • Solar Energy Integration: KMRL has installed a solar capacity of 10.58 MWp, meeting 49.9% of its energy needs through renewable sources. Surplus energy is exported to the grid, reinforcing energy neutrality and reducing reliance on conventional energy sources. By 2030, KMRL ambitiously plans to achieve 100% energy neutrality, setting a new benchmark in sustainable urban transport.
  • Regenerative Braking: Kochi Metro’s rolling stock employs regenerative braking technology, converting kinetic energy during braking into electrical energy. This energy is fed back into the power system, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing overall electricity consumption.
  • Eco-Friendly Feeder Services: KMRL has already inducted 75 electric auto-rickshaws and is soon inducting 15 electric feeder buses to provide first- and last-mile connectivity. These auto-rickshaws and buses not only enhance passenger convenience but also contribute to reducing vehicular emissions in the city.
  • Water Recycling: KMRL has implemented water recycling for train washing, significantly reducing water wastage and promoting resource conservation in its operations.
  • Digital Transformation: KMRL has digitized all paperwork in operations and maintenance, creating a paperless environment. This transition reduces resource wastage, improves efficiency, and supports broader sustainability goals.
  • Smart Ticketing: The introduction of WhatsApp ticketing supports paperless travel, minimizing resource wastage and encouraging public transportation use. This convenience is expected to attract more commuters, reducing private vehicle use and emissions.

Through these initiatives, KMRL demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, aiming to achieve 100% energy neutrality by 2030 and setting a benchmark for environmentally responsible urban transportation.

With the Kochi Water Metro being the world’s first integrated water transport system of its kind, how is KMRL leveraging this project to enhance urban mobility and encourage eco-friendly travel in the region?

The Kochi Water Metro is a water-based transport system executed by KMRL. Kerala, in general, and Kochi, in particular, have traditionally relied on water transport through the backwaters, rivers, and canals. The Kochi Water Metro project is envisioned to connect 10 islands to the mainland through a safe, reliable, and modern water transport system, significantly reducing travel time. Once fully operational, the system will feature 78 electric boats operating between 38 terminals across 15 routes, covering 76 kilometers and carrying 34,000 passengers daily.

The unique features of the Water Metro are:

  • Electric hybrid propulsion system
  • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
  • Zero discharge from the boats
  • Very low noise levels
  • Lightweight, recyclable materials
  • Low draft, low wake hull design
  • Preservation of backwaters

The Water Metro system is integrated with other modes of transport like Metro Rail and bus services at Vyttila. In other areas, Metro Rail stations and Water Metro terminals are connected through feeder services such as electric auto-rickshaws and electric buses. It is also integrated digitally with unified ticketing across Metro Rail and Water Metro.

Water Metro terminal buildings offer facilities similar to Metro Rail stations, including AFC gates and other passenger amenities. Air- conditioned boats with wide windows provide panoramic views, ensuring a seamless experience between the two systems.

Currently, the Water Metro operates on five routes with ten terminals and 17 boats, each with a capacity of 100 passengers. In 1.5 years of operation, it has achieved a ridership of 3.2 million.

Given its acceptance and positive reviews, the Water Metro system is expected to be replicated as a stand-alone or complementary urban transport solution in other cities, with KMRL providing expertise and support. This positions KMRL as a leader in sustainable urban transport.

As part of KMRL’s efforts to promote non-motorized transport, what are the latest developments in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and cycling tracks, and how are they being integrated with metro services to provide seamless last-mile connectivity?

Kochi Metro has been actively promoting non-motorized transport (NMT) to enhance urban mobility and sustainability, aligning with the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP). Introduced in 2006 and updated in 2014, the policy emphasizes improving overall mobility rather than vehicle-centric solutions.

KMRL’s objective is to create a seamless, integrated public transport system by connecting metro trains, long-distance trains, buses, auto-rickshaws, and boats into a unified network. To support this multimodal integration, the development of universally accessible NMT infrastructure, including safe pedestrian footpaths and improved junctions, plays a vital role in reducing private vehicle dependence.

Along the 28-kilometer Kochi Metro Rail corridor, spanning from Aluva to Thripunithura, a 500-meter zone on either side has been designated as a pedestrian/NMT influence area. Walkways are designed to meet the diverse needs of pedestrians, including those using mobility aids, and prioritize safety for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Smart LED streetlights eliminate dark spots, creating safer urban spaces.

KMRL has constructed safe pedestrian walkways along and across the metro alignment, which are widely utilized by the public. To enhance first- and last-mile connectivity, KMRL has introduced 75 electric auto-rickshaws, with 15 electric buses expected to commence operations soon.

How is KMRL leveraging digital solutions and technology-driven planning to address challenges such as travel demand patterns and staff optimisation while scaling its electric bus and auto-rickshaw fleet to build an integrated urban mobility system?

KMRL setting up a bus vertical is an important step in branching out to other mobility systems, including road and water-based transport. This initiative has a medium-term goal of feeding the Metro Rail system and, in the long term, aims to establish a robust, modern, sustainable, clean, integrated, and technology-driven urban mobility system in Kochi, with Metro Rail at its core.

We now have 75 electric auto-rickshaws as first- and last-mile connectors and 15 electric buses equipped with depot and charging infrastructure. These come with unique challenges and opportunities, requiring innovative solutions such as digital ticketing, staff optimiation, and analyzing travel demand patterns. The buses currently in operation are 33-seater, air-conditioned, battery-operated vehicles, which are being used to connect areas with transit gaps to the Metro Rail. At this stage, we are focusing on digital solutions and a technology- backed planning process to develop a highly efficient urban bus transport system. The small fleet is ideal for pilot exercises and iterations before scaling up.

This effort will enable us to establish a comprehensive and reliable urban transport system for the region.

The Union Government’s Gati Shakti initiative emphasises holistic infrastructure development. How is KMRL aligning its projects with this policy to create a robust, sustainable, and inclusive urban transport ecosystem?

Gati Shakti envisions integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects, with a focus on multi-modal connectivity. In line with this vision, KMRL consciously ensures physical connectivity between its transport systems (Metro Rail and Water Metro) and all transport nodal points in the city, such as railway stations, bus stands, and more.

Also Read | Green Innovations: Pioneering Technologies for a Sustainable Future

KMRL is also undertaking a project to connect the Water Metro with Metro Rail by making the five major canals running across Kochi navigable. Studies are underway to evaluate direct connectivity between the Metro Rail system and the airport. Currently, convenient electric bus services are provided between the airport and the Aluva Metro Rail station for the benefit of air travellers. Other key locations, such as Infopark and the Medical College, are being connected with electric feeder buses.

Additionally, significant emphasis is being placed on non-motorized transport (NMT) projects, which improve connectivity to both Water Metro and Metro Rail stations.

Apart from physical connectivity between modes, unified ticketing is also being envisaged, extending to systems outside KMRL’s purview.

 

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